Journal 8 Emerson Aphorisms

Journal 8- Emerson Aphorisms

1.    All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

2.    Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.

3.    What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.

I chose these tree aphorisms to write a personal response about. I believe that in these aphorisms Emerson is trying to show his readers his beliefs and to share his wisdom. The first aphorism is a phrase we have heard ourselves in many different forms but it still rings true to the ear, one can never have success if you do not try. The second aphorism is Emerson saying something he has noticed about society and people, Emerson is trying to tell his readers that in order to be truly noticeable and exceptional you cannot conform to what society asks of you. The final aphorism tries to show the value in things that seem to have no value at all, rather their value is hidden and yet to be appreciated. These aphorisms from Emerson show his unique and profound beliefs about society and how society is sometimes very incorrect.

Journal 7 Waterfowl Raven

                                                                                    Name:

Journal Assignment #7

William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl” (p.151) and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (p.181)

Read the selections and write a detailed response to the following:

1. Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems.  Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis. 

In the two poems, “The Raven” and “To a Waterfowl” we see an example of two different time periods in the writing. While “To a Waterfowl” is classic and written in the Age of Reason which focused on natural values and logic, “The Raven” poem is from the Romantic era which focused on emotions, senses and the way humans perceive their environment.

The tone and style of the waterfowl is optimistic and positive which contrasts to the gloomy and sad world of “The Raven.” Edgar Allen Poe’s poems are often toned to what is happening in his characters head while the water fowl’s tone is positive and focuses on rationality and harmony as most classical writings did. The settings also contrast romanticism and neo-classical writings. The setting of The Raven appeals to the senses in a dark and gloomy matter, the setting of the waterfowl is realistic.

The two poems have a similar purpose; the poets are trying to explain something. The water fowl is trying to show the beauty of nature while The Raven is an attempt to show that there really is no purpose to life, that the principles of logic and reason.

Journal 7

                                                                                    Name:

Journal Assignment #7

William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl” (p.151) and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (p.181)

Read the selections and write a detailed response to the following:

1. Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems.  Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis. 

In the two poems, “The Raven” and “To a Waterfowl” we see an example of two different time periods in the writing. While “To a Waterfowl” is classic and written in the Age of Reason which focused on natural values and logic, “The Raven” poem is from the Romantic era which focused on emotions, senses and the way humans perceive their environment.

The tone and style of the waterfowl is optimistic and positive which contrasts to the gloomy and sad world of “The Raven.” Edgar Allen Poe’s poems are often toned to what is happening in his characters head while the water fowl’s tone is positive and focuses on rationality and harmony as most classical writings did. The settings also contrast romanticism and neo-classical writings. The setting of The Raven appeals to the senses in a dark and gloomy matter, the setting of the waterfowl is realistic. The imagery and symbolism in the Raven creates a dark and gloomy setting which is starkly contrasted in the bright setting of the Waterfowl. The author's view of nature is contrasted as well from the Neo-classical and Romantic viewpoint. The Raven is much more particular, describing in detail the factors that put the Raven beyond human control. To a waterfowl is universal and indefinite and is easily subjected to human control. In The Raven untamed nature is to be celebrated whereas in To A Waterfowl untamed nature is dark and often evil. 

The two poems have a similar purpose; the poets are trying to explain something. The water fowl is trying to show the beauty of nature while The Raven is an attempt to show that there really is no purpose to life, that the principles of logic and reason.